What should I do if a 10mm pulmonary nodule is found during a physical examination

Physical examination reveals 10mm pulmonary nodules, which can be intervened through regular follow-up, imaging examinations, biopsy, surgical resection, and traditional Chinese medicine conditioning. Pulmonary nodules may be related to factors such as infection, inflammation, tuberculosis, tumors, and genetics.

1. Regular Follow up

For newly discovered 10mm pulmonary nodules, if there are no malignant signs, it is usually recommended to have a follow-up chest CT scan 3-6 months. During the follow-up period, changes in nodule size, morphology, and density should be observed. Grinding glass nodules require closer monitoring than solid nodules. Follow up is an important means of distinguishing between benign and malignant, which can avoid excessive medical intervention.

2. Imaging examination

Low dose spiral CT is the preferred examination method, and if necessary, enhanced CT or PET-CT evaluation can be performed. Imaging features such as lobulation, spiculation, and pleural indentation suggest the possibility of malignancy. Dynamic contrast imaging changes can help determine the nature, and special manifestations such as vacuolar signs may indicate specific pathological types.

3. Puncture biopsy

When malignancy is suspected by imaging, tissue specimens can be obtained through percutaneous lung biopsy under CT guidance. Biopsy can clarify pathological diagnosis and guide subsequent treatment. But there is a risk of pneumothorax, bleeding, etc., and it is suitable for nodules that are shallow in location and have a diameter exceeding 8 millimeters. Molecular testing can assist in determining gene mutation status.

4. Surgical resection

For nodules that are highly suspected of being malignant or enlarged during follow-up, wedge resection or segmentectomy under thoracoscopy may be considered. Rapid pathological examination during surgery can determine the extent of resection, and the 5-year survival rate after early lung cancer surgery is relatively high. Surgery requires evaluation of cardiopulmonary function, and postoperative complications such as pain and cough may occur.

5. Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment

Traditional Chinese Medicine believes that lung nodules are related to qi stagnation and blood stasis, and can be treated with Chinese herbal medicines that promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis. Commonly used prescriptions such as Xuefu Zhuyu Tang should be modified and treated by traditional Chinese medicine practitioners based on syndrome differentiation. Acupuncture and moxibustion may improve symptoms by selecting Feishu, Geshu and other acupoints and applying auricular points. But traditional Chinese medicine cannot replace standardized medical follow-up. After discovering pulmonary nodules, it is recommended to quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke to reduce exposure to kitchen fumes. Maintain moderate exercise to enhance lung function, such as Eight Section Brocade and abdominal breathing training. Pay attention to supplementing high-quality protein and vitamins in diet, and limit spicy and stimulating foods. There is no need for excessive anxiety psychologically, but it is necessary to strictly follow the doctor's advice for re examination. If symptoms such as hemoptysis and chest pain occur, seek medical attention promptly. It is recommended to record the results of each examination for comparison, and if necessary, bring imaging data to the thoracic surgery or respiratory specialty for evaluation.